Range Report: Silhouette at Seven

[DWD445]

Looks good, again PT.
I bet you do save on ammo w/that !!

[PT7]

Great range report, PT. Enjoyed it.

Have never shot a derringer, but on a gun like that, I would start out with 45 Colt cowboy loads. Those are as mild as it gets in 45 Colt. Recoil goes up, from there. Accuracy of a 45 Colt in a gun also chambered for the 410 is compromised by that long bullet jump to contact the rifling. Doubt this will be a factor at those derringer ranges, though. Very much so, however, in my Contender 45 Colt/410 barrel out at 25 yards.

Appreciate the suggestion on the .45LC cowboy loads. Did my HSM ammo look like a go to you from you experience with the ammo?
And as you mentioned about accuracy. It looks like I have some "learnin' to do" about shooting these largely different ammo types through the same barrel. This will just add to the fun!

When I stopped at wally-world yesterday, I saw a box on the shelf of Winchester .45LC 255gr HP ammo. It was the highest priced .45LC they had, and the 255gr seemed to be asking for "recoil trouble" whenever I first try this caliber. I've seen the HSM listed at 200gr, so I'll be looking for the smaller rounds to start this adventure.

I look forward to the time, NCG, when you get/shoot a derringer. It will be most interesting to get your impressions, and also any pointers you might want to share about shooting one. Have a good day!

[Sir Henry]

If I haven't shot it, think of it as only temporary.

The day isn't over yet.

[Sir Henry]

The Bond in .410 is a handful. Never tried it with 45LC. If I remember right you have the newer trigger. Bet that makes it more funs at the range.

Yup, SH, I have the re-designed trigger and hammer on my derringer. But again, I don't even notice the trigger while shooting this one. It is quite easy for me to do. However, I do remember the old-style trigger, even as I've read TGS's comments about the BA derringers he shot. That old trigger was a bear-and-a-half to pull and fire. I'm sure pulling so "wildly" to get it to shoot caused me to miss many, many shots with my first gun. No complaints any longer!

And thanks for the notice that the Bond will be "a handful"....looking forward to it.

I'm thinking the recoil won't be so bad with the new redesigned trigger. The way you held the pistol to pull the trigger is completely different now.

[North Country Gal]

PT, those Winchester 255 grain loads are basically what I call standard modern 45 Colt loads safe to shoot in modern Colt revolvers and their clones. Very manageable in my Ruger Blackhawk, but I'd be a bit nervous with them in a small gun like yours as far as recoil, but never know till you try. Sure the gun can handle them, though. As for the HSM ammo, just be careful as to which load you buy. I use the 325 grain +P Ruger only HSM bear loads in the Blackhawk and even in that gun, they will rattle your teeth. Big no no in your gun.

[RanchRoper]

Good looking targets PT. Your range reports are always nicely detailed, unlike my "shot standing up and it was windy" reports.

Whenever I've read your range reports, I wonder if you're considering a primary use for your firearms when you're out on the range....and that's having your gun in the wide-open country for protection. I don't have the possibility of a angry or hungry critter coming my way like you might. So how does your shooting impact your thinking for that scenario?

I imagine my whole life would flash before my eyes as I try to center that big 'ol Griz in the sights. Thoughts like "Why did I buy that '72 Chevy Vega? If I hadn't drank so much in my 20's and 30's I wouldn't have to drink that crappy near-beer now. Why did my dad and I argue about my long hair when it just fell out anyway? I should have eaten more broccoli and less Oreos." Stuff like that. Then I'd empty the magazine and run like hell if I was still able.

[PT7]

You've said it quite well, and given us good insight as to what you'd do with your Henry and that "big 'ol Griz."
Now that's a great what-if-it-happens-Range-Report that would hold the interest of Henry Folk, I'm sure.

BTW, I asked myself the very same Q years ago,
"Why did I buy that Chevy Vega?" Mine was definitely not the crème de la crème of cars.

[Sir Henry]

Good looking targets PT. Your range reports are always nicely detailed, unlike my "shot standing up and it was windy" reports.

Whenever I've read your range reports, I wonder if you're considering a primary use for your firearms when you're out on the range....and that's having your gun in the wide-open country for protection. I don't have the possibility of a angry or hungry critter coming my way like you might. So how does your shooting impact your thinking for that scenario?

I imagine my whole life would flash before my eyes as I try to center that big 'ol Griz in the sights. Thoughts like "Why did I buy that '72 Chevy Vega? If I hadn't drank so much in my 20's and 30's I wouldn't have to drink that crappy near-beer now. Why did my dad and I argue about my long hair when it just fell out anyway? I should have eaten more broccoli and less Oreos." Stuff like that. Then I'd empty the magazine and run like hell if I was still able.

The bear would have the disadvantage if he was chasing me cause he would be slipping in my.....................

[RanchRoper]

You've said it quite well, and given us good insight as to what you'd do with your Henry and that "big 'ol Griz."
Now that's a great what-if-it-happens-Range-Report that would hold the interest of Henry Folk, I'm sure.

BTW, I asked myself the very same Q years ago,
"Why did I buy that Chevy Vega?" Mine was definitely not the crème de la crème of cars.

yup, quite a car.

Anyhow, didn't intend to hijack your thread. Apologies. Your derringer looks like a TON of fun to shoot.